Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was formally sentenced to death in Boston.
The Boston Marathon bomber has apologized to his victims in a federal court hearing: “I am sorry for the lives I have taken, for the suffering that I have caused you.”
On June 24, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 21, remained impassive as victims lined up in court to condemn his “cowardly” actions.
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his brother Tamerlan killed three and injured 264 when they bombed the finish line of the marathon in 2013.
A police officer was killed during the hunt for the Tsarnaev brothers.
Tamerlan Tsarnaev died and Dzhokhar was sentenced to death last month but he was formally sentenced by the judge on June 24.
In his first statements since the start of the trial, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev said he listened to all the victims’ testimony and noted survivors’ strength, patience and dignity.
He thanked Allah and his lawyers.
Speaking outside the court following the sentencing, victim Lynne Julian said Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s apology was hollow and insincere and that her sense of security is forever changed.
“I regret ever wanting to hear him speak,” she said.
“He showed no remorse.”
Before Dzhokhar Tsarnaev spoke in court, several of the injured and bereaved used what was the first opportunity for them to make public their feelings.
Ed Fucarile, the father of Marc, who lost his right leg, said: “The first time I saw you in this courtroom, you were smirking at all the victims for your unspeakable cowardly act. You don’t seem to be smirking today.”
Bill Richard, father of 8-year-old Martin Richard, the youngest victim, said Dzhokhar Tsarnaev could have stopped his brother on the morning of the attack.
“He chose hate. He chose destruction. He chose death. This is all on him.”
Seventeen people who lost legs in the attack were present in court. Many said they feared they were going to die.
It could be years until Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s legal process is finished. Death penalty sentences in the US often take years to carry out, and there will be an appeal.
